Wednesdays return flight was the first major group for the brigade, which deployed to Afghanistan this spring with about 1,800 personnel.

Pfc. Jacoria L. Joseph, who performed signal work, said she was proud to be a part of the deployment and happy to be home.

Im glad to be back on American soil, she said.

Her next stop: Georgia, so she could see her daughter.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph R. Hess was joined by his wife Doranna, who traveled from Idaho for the ceremony with their children Noel, 3, and Hannah, 3 months, and several other family members. Their oldest child, Tylee, 6, had to stay in Idaho for school, so the Hesses contacted her from the hangar by video chat.

The pilot said the deployment was the longest of his eight-year Army career.

Man, I wish I was still there, Chief Warrant Officer Hess joked, generating a smile and a slap on the chest from his wife.

Its awesome to be back with the family, he added.

Among the things he said he was looking forward to was seeing his family in the Phoenix area and spending Christmas in Idaho, where his wifes family lives.

This is probably going to be the last deployment for a long time, he said. Thats nice.